Govt: Jarvis comments unrepresentative

The government has sought to downplay comments by an exam board chief expressing concerns about the new diploma qualification.

A spokesperson for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) said Edexcel chief Jerry Jarvis' warning that the transition to diplomas will be "traumatic" are unfair.

"This is an absurd misrepresentation of the truth. As Edexcel has made clear, it is fully behind the diploma," the spokesperson said.

"There are details to address with any new programme but to suggest diplomas are in 'disarray' or 'worthless' is complete and utter nonsense."